DODGERS

Beltre Recovering From Appendectomy

Adrian Beltre contracted an infection after undergoing an emergency appendectomy in the Dominican Republic, but a Dodger official said Thursday that the third baseman is recovering at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood and is expected to be ready to start spring training.

Beltre, who lost 15 pounds, underwent surgery Jan. 12 in the Dominican Republic, and spent three weeks in a hospital there as physicians tried to diagnose and treat the infection.

Chairman Bob Daly made arrangements for Beltre to return to Los Angeles to be monitored by the club's medical personnel.

Beltre, 21, arrived at the hospital Tuesday and has been under the supervision of team physician Michael Mellman, said Derrick Hall, senior vice president.

Position players are scheduled to report to Dodgertown at Vero Beach, Fla., Feb. 19 for the start of full-squad workouts. Beltre might report Feb. 14 with pitchers, catchers and players undergoing rehabilitation.

Beltre batted .290 last season with 20 home runs, 30 doubles and 85 runs batted in. He also committed a team-high 23 errors.

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The Dodgers have established a working agreement with a baseball team in Parma, Italy, the first time the Dodgers have joined up with a European team.